Samantha Miller’s mother’s statement about recovery in South Florida

Deirdre Miller, center, speaks in a vigil for her daughter Samantha Miller, November 30, 2016 in Delray Beach. More than a dozen people gather to remember Samantha Miller, who was found dead in an SUV this week in Boynton Beach. (Yuting Jiang / The Palm Beach Post)

Just before attending a vigil for her daughter who was found dead Tuesday, Deirdre Miller on Wednesday sent The Palm Beach Post a statement she wanted to share with the public. Miller’s daughter, Samantha, came down from New Jersey to South Florida about four years ago for recovery. She went missing Nov. 18, and was found in a SUV on Tuesday. Those close to her believe she overdosed on drugs.

Here is her statement:

“My daughter was lured to the beaches, palm trees, warm weather and sun.When I arrived to Florida (to search for her) and I walked the streets for a week, I was devastated with what I have seen.The (rundown areas), the young adult addicts sleeping in parks, the panhandling.This is not what is promised to our children struggling with addiction problems.During our search for Samantha , my 16 year old daughter saw not one but two drug deals right in front of a halfway house.How is this possible?Why is this happening? ”